Methods for managing parallel measurement gap patterns for radio resource management and positioning measurements

ABSTRACT

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. A network node configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD) is provided. The network node is configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or comprising processing circuitry configured to: determine a radio link monitoring (RLM) state of a wireless device that is served by a first cell and configured to operate with at least a first operational mode and a second operation mode within an overlapping time, and schedule at least one signal associated with the wireless device based on the RLM state.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. Application No. 17/052,019,filed Oct. 30, 2020, which is a National Stage Application ofInternational PCT Application No. PCT/EP2019/062099, filed May 10, 2019,which claims priority to U.S Provisional Application No. 62/670,447,filed on May 11, 2018, the entireties of all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and inparticular, to at least one radio link monitoring (RLM) procedure for awireless device configured for multiple operational modes.

BACKGROUND Machine Type Communication

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication (also known as machine typecommunication (MTC)) may be used for establishing communication betweenmachines, and between machines and humans. The communication may includeexchange of data, signaling, measurement data, configurationinformation, etc. The M2M devices may be used for applications likesensing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature reading), meteringor measurement (e.g., electricity usage, etc.), fault finding or errordetection, etc. There are several MTC use cases that can be classifiedinto two broader groups depending on the use case requirements: massiveMTC and critical MTC (C-MTC). For massive MTC, low cost and enhancedcoverage are aspects of this group. For C-MTC, high reliability of datadelivery and low latency aspects for this group.

Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)

Existing wireless communication systems may operate at 10-1 (10%)reliability in terms of packet error rate and round trip time (RTT) forpacket delivery in the order of tens of ms, e.g., 10 ms-100 ms.

The requirements for mission critical machine type communication (C-MTC)may be very stringent. These requirements may be expressed in terms ofdelay and reliability. C-MTC is also interchangeably referred to asUltra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), High-Reliable andLow Latency Communications (HRLLC), etc.

Examples of delay and reliability targets for URLLC may include:

-   Very short end-to-end delay or round trip delay of a packet, e.g.,    between 1-10 ms;-   Very high reliability of data transmission, e.g., packet delivery    error rate not exceeding a rate of 10⁻⁹.-   10⁻⁵ error probability in transmitting a layer 2 PDU of 32 bytes    within 1 ms.-   10⁻⁴ error probability in transmitting a layer 2 PDU of 32 bytes    within 10 ms.

The low latency is achieved by means of shortened Transmission TimeInterval (TTI) or short TTI (sTTI) communications in LTE or based onmini-slots in New Radio (NR)(also known as “5G”). NR is also referred toas 5G. In sTTI, the sTTI includes a slot (7 symbols) or a sub-slot (2 or3 symbols). A mini-slot in NR may include of any number of symbolswhere, in some cases, the mini-slot may include 2 symbols, 4 symbols or7 symbols. In NR, the symbol duration may further depend on thesubcarrier spacing (SCS) of the symbols. In NR, SCS of a symbol maycorrespond to 15 KHz, 30 KHz, 60 KHz, 120 kHz, 240 KHz, etc., whichcorrespond to symbol durations of 71.43 µs, 35.71 µs, 17.86 µs, 8.93 µsand 4.465 µs, respectively. This indicates that in NR, much lowerlatency can also be realized by using larger SCS as the symbol durationsmay be come smaller.

A high reliability requirement, itself, can be achieved byretransmissions, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)-basedretransmission, radio link control (RLC) retransmission or evenapplication layer retransmissions. However, an issue may be that thehigh reliability requirement is coupled with the low latencyrequirement, where using retransmission to increase reliability may alsoincrease latency unless, for example, the requirement on eachtransmission is increased with, for example, a lower coding rate orrepetition of the transport block (if the coding rate is smaller thanthe mother code rate). In other words, the block error rate (BLER)target for PDSCH may be very different from the BLER target for eMBBpacket. In LTE, the latency bound may be so strict that a HARQ-basedretransmission and a blind repetition of transport block may not meetthe latency bound, i.e., the system relies on one shot transmission tomeet BLER for PDSCH as low as 10^-5 where one shot transmission mayindicate no retransmission is used.

Joint HRLLC and MBB Operations

If the wireless device (WD) has or needs to be serviced with only URLLCtraffic, then the wireless device may be configured to operate only withURLLC operation. The configuration of the wireless device with aparticular URLLC mode can be performed by transmitting a message to thewireless device via higher layer signaling and/or via lower layersignaling. Examples of higher layer signaling may include RRC messages,non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc. Examples of lower layersignaling may include MAC message, L1 message (e.g., via the downlink(DL) control channel, etc.), etc.

For example, the wireless device may be configured with all necessaryfeatures (e.g., sTTI or mini-slot), physical layer parameters associatedwith control and data channels to achieve the URLLC reliability andlatency targets. However, if the wireless device may need to be servedwith both eMBB traffic and URLLC traffic during at least a partiallyoverlapping time, then the wireless device may be configured to operatewith both eMBB and URLLC operations. In this case, the URLLC and eMBBtraffic may be scheduled in a time division multiplexing (TDM) fashion.In any case, the reliability targets for URLLC and eMBB may bedifferent.

For LTE networks, the wireless device may be required to monitor bothlow latency downlink and uplink assignments, controlled by DCI formats7x, as well as legacy, regular latency 1 ms TTI assignments controlledby DCI formats 0/1/4. This may signify that from subframe to subframe, awireless device can expect any type of latency. Similarly, thereliability may be controlled dynamically by a repetition factor in DCIwhen URLLC is configured for a given wireless device. Therefore, thereliability of the transmission can be controlled from subframe tosubframe depending of the type of traffic being carried or transmitted.

Radio Link Monitoring

One aspect of radio link monitoring (RLM) is to estimate a radio linkquality of the serving cell of the wireless device over a certainevaluation period and based on the estimated radio quality in order todecide whether the wireless device is in-sync (IS) or out-of-sync (OOS)with respect to the serving cell. The in-sync and out-of-syncevaluations may be performed by the wireless devices over theirrespective evaluation periods, e.g., 100 ms and 200 ms for IS and OOSevaluations, respectively, in non-discontinuous reception (DRX). In LTE,the RLM may be performed by the wireless device by performingmeasurement on downlink cell specific reference signal (CRS) inRRC_CONNECTED state. If results of radio link monitoring lead to apredefined number (N310) of consecutive out of sync (OOS) indications,then the wireless device starts a radio link failure (RLF) procedure bystarting the RLF timer (e.g., T310).

The wireless device may declare RLF after the expiry of the RLF timer(e.g., T310). However, if the wireless device detects a predefinednumber (N311) of consecutive in-sync (IS) indications while the RLFtimer is running, then the wireless device may reset the RLF timer,i.e., the RLF procedure is aborted. Upon the occurrence of RLF (e.g.,when T310 expires), the wireless device may turn its transmitter off.The procedure to detect IS or OOS may be carried out by comparing theestimated downlink reference signal measurements (e.g., SNR on CRS) topredefined target BLER values called Qout and Qin. Qout and Qincorrespond to a hypothetical Block Error Rate (BLER) of the DL controlchannel such as PDCCH/PCIFCH transmissions from the serving cell.Examples of Qout and Qin are 10% and 2%, respectively, for eMBB.

A similar procedure as described above may be applied in NR. However, inNR, the wireless device may estimate the DL signal quality for Out ofsynchronization (OOS)/IS detection based on signals in a SynchronizationSignal Block (SSB) or CSI-RS and compare them with Qin and Qout todetect IS and OOS. SSB is also called as SS/PBCH block and istransmitted in a cell periodically with periodicities of 5, 10, 20,40,80 or 160 ms. In NR, the CSI-RS for RLM is transmitted in a cellperiodically with periodicities of 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 40, 80, 160 and320 slots. The time for slot depends on NR SCS, i.e., 1 ms for 15 kHz,0.5 ms for 30 kHz, 0.25 ms for 60 kHz, and 0.125 ms for 120 kHz, etc.

RRC Connection Re-Establishment Upon RLF

In single carrier operation or carrier aggregation (CA) operation, RRCconnection re-establishment is triggered when PCell experiences RLF. Inmulti-connectivity or Dual Connectivity (DC), the RLF is supported forboth PCell and PSCell. In DC, the RRC connection re-establishment istriggered when PCell experiences RLF. However, upon detecting RLF on thePSCell, the RRC connection re-establishment procedure is not triggered.Instead, the wireless device informs the radio link failure of PSCell tothe master node, e.g., MeNB.

More specifically upon RLF, the wireless device starts RRC connectionre-establishment timer, e.g., T311. When this timer expires, thewireless device starts the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. Inthis case, the wireless device may go into idle mode and may reselectanother cell on a carrier configured for RRC connectionre-establishment. This may require the wireless device to identify theother cell and access that cell by sending, e.g., a random accessmessage. The result is inefficient WD and overall system operation.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, andapparatuses for at least one radio link monitoring (RLM) procedure for awireless device configured to potentially operate using multipleoperational modes.

The disclosure relates to a method in wireless device(s), networknode(s) and/or core network. In one or more embodiments, a wirelessdevice is served by at least a first cell (cell1) that is configured tooperate with at least two different operational modes (a first mode (M1)and a second mode (M2)) in parallel (e.g., within overlapping time).Furthermore, each operational mode is associated with different sets ofRLM signal quality targets: a first set of quality targets (Q1) for M1and a second set of quality targets (Q2) for M2. In one or moreexamples, Q1 is more stringent than Q2, because Q1 is associated with afirst set of a hypothetical BLER of a first DL control channel, e.g.,0.002%, which is lower than a second set of a hypothetical BLER of asecond DL control channel, e.g., 2%. Examples of M1 and M2 are URLLC andeMBB, respectively. Other examples of M1 and M2 may include differentURLLC modes, e.g., URLLC1 and URLLC2.

According to one or more embodiments, the wireless device performs RLMwith respect to cell1 based on one or more conditions or criteria orrule such as:

-   for only M1 use Q1 (RLM state, S1), or-   for only M2 use Q2 (RLM state, S2) or-   for both M1 and M2 over at least partially overlapping time period    (RLM state, S3).

In one or more embodiments, the network node may determine the RLM state(S1, S2 or S3) of the wireless device (e.g., autonomously or based on anindication received from the wireless device) and/or may adapt thescheduling (transmission and/or reception) of signals at the wirelessdevice associated with M1 and/or M2 operations

According to one or more embodiments, the wireless device performs RRCre-establishment to a second cell (cell2) based on one or moreconditions or criteria or rule such as:

-   only a first radio link failure (RLF1) associated with M1, or-   based on only a second radio link failure (RLF2) associated with M2    or-   based on a combination of RLF1 and RLF2.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a wireless device isconfigured to operate in at least a first operational mode and a secondoperational mode within an overlapping time with respect to a firstcell. The wireless device includes processing circuitry configured totransition from a first radio link monitoring, RLM, state to a secondRLM state different from the first RLM state based at least in part onat least one rule where each RLM state corresponds to at least one ofthe first and second operational modes, and operate according to thesecond RLM state.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM statecorresponds to one of the first and second operational modes where thesecond RLM state corresponds to both first and second operational modes.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM stateis associated with the at least one rule, and the processing circuitryis further configured to: remain in the first RLM state if the at leastone rule is met, and cause the transition from the first RLM state tothe second RLM state if the at least one rule is not met. According toone or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least one rule defines atleast one threshold value where the at least one threshold valuecorresponds to one of a signal quality threshold value and reliabilitythreshold value.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processingcircuitry is further configured to: determine an occurrence of at leastone of a first radio link failure, RLF, associated with the firstoperational mode and the second RLF associated with the secondoperational mode, and perform a connection re-establishment procedurewith a second cell based at least in part on the determination of theoccurrence of the at least one the first RLF and the second RLF.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM stateis associated with one of the first RLF and the second RLF where thesecond RLM state is associated with both the first RLF and the secondRLF. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the firstoperational mode is associated with a first quality threshold, and thesecond operational mode is associated with a second quality thresholdless than the first quality threshold. According to one or moreembodiments, the first quality threshold and the second qualitythreshold are associated with the second RLM state.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processingcircuitry is further configured to: if operating in the first RLM state,monitor downlink radio link quality with respect to one of the first andsecond quality thresholds, and if operating in the second RLM state,monitor downlink radio link quality with respect to both the first andsecond quality thresholds. According to one or more embodiments of thisaspect, the processing circuitry is further configured to receiveinformation for configuring the wireless device to operate according toat least one of a first RLM state and second RLM state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a network node configuredto communicate with a wireless device configured to operate in at leasta first operational mode and a second operational mode within anoverlapping time with respect to a first cell. The network node includesprocessing circuitry configured to: determine the wireless device istransitioning from a first radio link monitoring, RLM, state to a secondRLM state different from the first RLM state where each RLM statecorresponds to at least one of the first and second operational modes,and optionally schedule the wireless device according to the determinedtransitioning of the wireless device.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM statecorresponds to one of the first and second operational modes, and thesecond RLM state corresponds to both first and second operational modes.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, each RLM state isassociated with at least one rule, the at least one rule defining atleast one threshold value corresponding to one of a signal qualitythreshold value and reliability threshold value. According to one ormore embodiments of this aspect, the first operational mode isassociated with a first quality threshold, and the second operationalmode is associated with a second quality threshold less than the firstquality threshold.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the processingcircuitry is further configured to cause signaling of information forconfiguring the wireless device to operate according to at least one ofa first RLM state and second RLM state. According to one or moreembodiments of this aspect, the determination of the transitioning ofthe wireless device is based at least in part on an indication receivedfrom the wireless device. According to one or more embodiments, thefirst quality threshold and the second quality threshold are associatedwith the second RLM state.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method implemented in awireless device configured to operate in at least a first operationalmode and a second operational mode within an overlapping time withrespect to a first cell is provided. A transition from a first radiolink monitoring, RLM, state to a second RLM state different from thefirst RLM state is performed based at least in part on at least one rulewhere each RLM state corresponds to at least one of the first and secondoperational modes. An operation according to the second RLM state isperformed.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM statecorresponds to one of the first and second operational modes, and thesecond RLM state corresponds to both first and second operational modes.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM stateis associated with the at least one rule. If the at least one rule ismet, remain in the first RLM state. If the at least one rule is not met,cause the transition from the first RLM state to the second RLM state.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least onerule defines at least one threshold value where the at least onethreshold value corresponds to one of a signal quality threshold valueand reliability threshold value.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, an occurrence of atleast one of a first radio link failure, RLF, associated with the firstoperational mode and the second RLF associated with the secondoperational mode is determined. A connection re-establishment procedurewith a second cell is performed based at least in part on thedetermination of the occurrence of the at least one the first RLF andthe second RLF. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, thefirst RLM state is associated with one of the first RLF and the secondRLF, and the second RLM state is associated with both the first RLF andthe second RLF. According to one or more embodiments, the first qualitythreshold and the second quality threshold are associated with thesecond RLM state.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the firstoperational mode is associated with a first quality threshold, and thesecond operational mode is associated with a second quality thresholdless than the first quality threshold. According to one or moreembodiments of this aspect, if operating in the first RLM state,communications with respect to one of the first and second qualitythresholds are monitored, and if operating in the second RLM state,communications with respect to both the first and second qualitythresholds are monitored. According to one or more embodiments of thisaspect, information is received for configuring the wireless device tooperate according to at least one of a first RLM state and second RLMstate.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method implemented in anetwork node configured to communicate with a wireless device configuredto operate in at least a first operational mode and a second operationalmode within an overlapping time with respect to a first cell isprovided. The wireless device is determined to be transitioning from afirst radio link monitoring, RLM, state to a second RLM state differentfrom the first RLM state where each RLM state corresponds to at leastone of the first and second operational modes. The wireless device isoptionally scheduled according to the determined transitioning of thewireless device.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first RLM statecorresponds to one of the first and second operational modes, and thesecond RLM state corresponds to both first and second operational modes.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, each RLM state isassociated with at least one rule where the at least one rule definingat least one threshold value corresponds to one of a signal qualitythreshold value and reliability threshold value. According to one ormore embodiments of this aspect, the first operational mode isassociated with a first quality threshold, and the second operationalmode is associated with a second quality threshold less than the firstquality threshold.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, signaling ofinformation for configuring the wireless device to operate according toat least one of a first RLM state and second RLM state is caused.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the determinationof the transitioning of the wireless device is based at least in part onan indication received from the wireless device. According to one ormore embodiments, the first quality threshold and the second qualitythreshold are associated with the second RLM state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and theattendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of signal to noise ratio for different targetlevels;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network architectureillustrating a communication system connected via an intermediatenetwork to a host computer according to the principles in the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating via a networknode with a wireless device over an at least partially wirelessconnection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for executing a client application at a wireless deviceaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for receiving user data at a wireless device accordingto some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for receiving user data from the wireless device at ahost computer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for receiving user data at a host computer according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network nodeaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is another flowchart of an exemplary process in a network nodeaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device fortransitioning to an RLM state according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another exemplary process in a wireless deviceaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device forconnection re-establishment according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is state diagram for multiple RLM procedures; and

FIG. 14 is state diagram for switching between multiple RLM processesbased on signal quality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some instances, some wireless devices operate using both MBB andURLLC. In other instances, the wireless device is configured to operateusing URLLC but with two different reliability targets in parallel. Inthese instances, the wireless device may separately perform RLMprocedures for different services. However, the wireless device behaviordue to interaction between different RLM procedures is unclear.Furthermore, such parallel RLM procedures may increase wireless devicecomplexity, processing and power consumption.

The teachings of the disclosure solve at least in part one of theproblems with existing systems by, in one or more embodiments, providingspecific conditions or criteria for performing RLM, and/or forperforming RRC re-establishment. The teachings of the disclosure mayadvantageously provide:

-   a reduction in the wireless device processing since the wireless    device may not have to always and/or sometimes perform multiple RLM    processes at the same time, i.e., in parallel or at least partially    overlapping time.-   a reduction in wireless device power consumption since the wireless    device may not have to always, sometimes and/or continuously perform    multiple RLM processes at the same time, i.e., in parallel or at    least partially overlapping time.-   Defined wireless device behavior. The wireless device behavior with    respect to RLM and cell reselection due to RLF is well defined when    the wireless device is configured to operate with both URLLC and    eMBB services over at least partially overlapping time.

Referring now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example ofrequired SNR for different target levels where service issues may appearfrom parallel RLM procedures. The X-axis indicates SNR and the Y-axisindicates the BLER for PDSCH with different channel quality indicator(CQI) index and PDCCH. If a target (PDSCH) error probability of eMBB andURLLC is set to 10-1 (10%) and 10-4 (0.01%), for example, thecorresponding PDCCH error rate may be adapted. For example, Qout (OOSthreshold) is set to hypothetical PDCCH BLER of 10% for eMBB and 0.01%for URLLC. If the wireless device performs RLM with only one RLM target,for example, Qout=0.01%, the wireless device triggers out-of-synch withSNR=20dB, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . However, with this SNR, PDCCH BLERis still enough for eMBB operation because eMBB can still work underSNR=18 dB. On the other hand, if the wireless device sets Qout=10%, thewireless device may not trigger out-of-synch until SNR becomes less than18 dB, but this is too low quality level to maintain the URLLC service.As discussed in detail below, embodiments provide specific conditions orcriteria for performing RLM, and/or for performing RRC re-establishmentto allow URLLC and eMBB operation by a WD.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that theembodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components andprocessing steps related to at least one radio link monitoring (RLM)procedure for a wireless device configured for multiple operationalmodes. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriateby conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specificdetails that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top”and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entityor element from another entity or element without necessarily requiringor implying any physical or logical relationship or order between suchentities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singularforms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms aswell, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or“including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

An indication generally may explicitly and/or implicitly indicate theinformation it represents and/or indicates. Implicit indication may forexample be based on position and/or resource used for transmission.Explicit indication may for example be based on a parametrization withone or more parameters, and/or one or more index or indices, and/or oneor more bit patterns representing the information. It may in particularbe considered that control signaling as described herein, based on theutilized resource sequence, implicitly indicates the control signalingtype.

It may be considered for cellular communication there is provided atleast one uplink (UL) connection and/or channel and/or carrier and atleast one downlink (DL) connection and/or channel and/or carrier, e.g.,via and/or defining a cell, which may be provided by a network node, inparticular a base station, gNB or eNodeB. An uplink direction may referto a data transfer direction from a terminal to a network node, e.g.,base station, gNB and/or relay station. A downlink direction may referto a data transfer direction from a network node, e.g., base stationand/or relay node, to a terminal. UL and DL may be associated todifferent frequency resources, e.g., carriers and/or spectral bands. Acell may comprise at least one uplink carrier and at least one downlinkcarrier, which may have different frequency bands. A network node, e.g.,a base station, gNB or eNodeB, may be adapted to provide and/or defineand/or control one or more cells, e.g., a PCell and/or a LA cell.

In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communicationwith” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or datacommunication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction,electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling oroptical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that multiple components may interoperate andmodifications and variations are possible of achieving the electricaland data communication.

Transmitting in downlink may pertain to transmission from the network ornetwork node to the terminal. Transmitting in uplink may pertain totransmission from the terminal to the network or network node.Transmitting in sidelink may pertain to (direct) transmission from oneterminal to another. Uplink, downlink and sidelink (e.g., sidelinktransmission and reception) may be considered communication directions.In some variants, uplink and downlink may also be used to describedwireless communication between network nodes, e.g. for wireless backhauland/or relay communication and/or (wireless) network communication forexample between base stations or similar network nodes, in particularcommunication terminating at such. It may be considered that backhauland/or relay communication and/or network communication is implementedas a form of sidelink or uplink communication or similar thereto.

Data may refer to any kind of data, in particular any one of and/or anycombination of control data or user data or payload data. Controlinformation (which may also be referred to as control data) may refer todata controlling and/or scheduling and/or pertaining to the process ofdata transmission and/or the network or terminal operation.

In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,”and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although notnecessarily directly, and may include wired and/or wireless connections.

In some embodiments a more general term “network node” is used and itcan correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node,which communicates with a UE and/or with another network node. Examplesof network nodes are NodeB, gNodeB, MeNB, SeNB, a network node belongingto master cell group (MCG) or secondary cell group (SCG), base station(BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB,network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base stationcontroller (BSC), relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node,donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), accesspoint (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, remote radio unit(RRU), remote radio head (RRH), nodes in distributed antenna system(DAS), core network node (e.g. MSC, Mobility Management Entity (MME),etc.), O&M, operation support system (OSS), Self-organizing networks(SON), positioning node (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center(E-SMLC)), MDT, test equipment, etc.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or auser equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The WD herein can be anytype of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node oranother WD over radio signals, such as wireless device (WD). The WD mayalso be a radio communication device, target device, device to device(D2D) WD, machine type WD or WD capable of machine to machinecommunication (M2M), low-cost and/or low-complexity WD, a sensorequipped with WD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embeddedequipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, CustomerPremises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or aNarrowband IoT (NB-IOT) device etc. In some embodiments, WD refers toany type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/orwith another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examplesof wireless devices are target device, device to device (D2D) wirelessdevice, machine type wireless device or wireless device capable ofmachine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobileterminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mountedequipment (LME), USB dongles, ProSe UE, Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) UE,Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) UE, MTC UE, eMTC UE, FeMTC UE, UE Cat 0, UECat M1, narrow band Iot (NB-IoT) UE, UE Cat NB1, etc.

One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented in LTE basedsystems such as MTC, eMTC, NB-IoT etc. As an example, MTC UE, eMTC UEand NB-IoT UE also called as UE category 0, UE category M1 and UEcategory NB1. The embodiments described herein are also applicable toany RAT or multi-RAT systems, where the wireless device receives and/ortransmit signals (e.g., data), e.g., LTE Frequency Division Duplex(FDD)/ Time division duplex (TDD), WCDMA/HSPA, Global System for Mobilecommunication (GSM)/ GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Wi Fi, WLAN,code-division multiple access2000 (CDMA2000), 5G, NR, etc.

The term signal as used herein can be a physical signal or it can be aphysical channel. Physical signal may not contain higher layerinformation whereas the physical channel may contain higher layerinformation or data. Examples of physical signals are any type ofreference signals. Examples of DL reference signals are CRS,demodulation reference signal (DMRS), positioning reference signal(PRS), Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network Reference Signal(MBSFN RS), discovery reference signal (DRS), primary synchronizationsignal (PSS), SSS channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS),signals in SSB, etc. Examples of UL reference signals are soundingreference signal (SRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), etc.Examples of physical channels are data channel or physical data channels(e.g., PDSCH, sPDSCH, NPDSCH, PUSCH, sPUSCH, NPUSCH etc.), controlchannel or physical control channel. Examples of control channel arePDCCH, sPDCCH, NPDCCH, MPDCCH, PUCCH, NPUCCH, sPUCCH, RACH, NRACH,ePDCCH, PBCH. NPBCH, etc.

The term time resource as used herein may correspond to any type ofphysical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of length oftime. Examples of time resources are: symbol, time slot, mini-slot,subframe, radio frame, TTI, interleaving time, special subframe, UpPTS,short TTI (sTTI), short subframe (SSF), etc.

The term “signaling” as used herein may comprise any of: high-layersignaling (e.g., via RRC or a like), lower-layer signaling (e.g., viaMAC command, via a physical control channel or a broadcast channel), ora combination thereof. The signaling may be implicit or explicit. Thesignaling may further be unicast, multicast or broadcast. The signalingmay also be directly to another node or via a third node.

Configuring a terminal or wireless device or node may involveinstructing and/or causing the wireless device or node to change itsconfiguration, e.g., at least one setting and/or register entry and/oroperational mode. A terminal or wireless device or node may be adaptedto configure itself, e.g., according to information or data in a memoryof the terminal or wireless device. Configuring a node or terminal orwireless device by another device or node or a network may refer toand/or comprise transmitting information and/or data and/or instructionsto the wireless device or node by the other device or node or thenetwork, e.g., allocation data (which may also be and/or compriseconfiguration data) and/or scheduling data and/or scheduling grants.Configuring a wireless device may include sendingallocation/configuration data to the terminal indicating whichmodulation and/or encoding to use. A wireless device may be configuredwith and/or for scheduling data and/or to use, e.g., for transmission,scheduled and/or allocated uplink resources, and/or, e.g., forreception, scheduled and/or allocated downlink resources. Uplinkresources and/or downlink resources may be scheduled and/or providedwith allocation or configuration data.

The embodiments described herein may apply to any RRC state, e.g.,RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_INACTIVE. The embodiments described herein may beapplicable to any multicarrier system, e.g., carrier aggregation, dualconnectivity, multi-connectivity, etc. One specific example scenario mayinclude a dual connectivity deployment with LTE PCell and NR PSCell.Another example scenario may include a dual connectivity deployment withNR PCell and NR PSCell.

A cell may generally be a communication cell, e.g., of a cellular ormobile communication network, provided by a node. A serving cell may bea cell on or via which a network node (the node providing or associatedto the cell, e.g., base station, gNB or eNodeB) transmits and/or maytransmit data (which may be data other than broadcast data) to a userequipment, in particular control and/or user or payload data, and/or viaor on which a user equipment transmits and/or may transmit data to thenode; a serving cell may be a cell for or on which the user equipment isconfigured and/or to which it is synchronized and/or has performed anaccess procedure, e.g., a random access procedure, and/or in relation towhich it is in a RRC_connected or RRC_idle state, e.g., in case the nodeand/or user equipment and/or network follow the LTE-standard and/orNR-standard. One or more carriers (e.g., uplink and/or downlinkcarrier/s and/or a carrier for both uplink and downlink) may beassociated to a cell.

Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used.It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any ofbase station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base stationcontroller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB,Multi-cell/multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), relay node, IAB node,access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote RadioHead (RRH).

Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, suchas, for example, Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP, astandardization organization) LTE and/or New Radio (NR), may be used inthis disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of thedisclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems,including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access(WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), UltraMobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within thisdisclosure.

Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by awireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality ofwireless devices and/or network nodes. In other words, it iscontemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless devicedescribed herein are not limited to performance by a single physicaldevice and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted ashaving a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context ofthis specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted inan idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments provide at least one radio link monitoring (RLM) procedurefor a wireless device configured for multiple operational modes. One ormore embodiments are directed to a sequential RLM Procedure for JointURLLC and eMBB operation.

Returning to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred toby like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 2 a schematic diagramof a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/orNR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio accessnetwork, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises aplurality of network nodes 16 a, 16 b, 16 c (referred to collectively asnetwork nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wirelessaccess points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18 a, 18 b,18 c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node16 a, 16 b, 16 c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired orwireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22 a located incoverage area 18 a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be pagedby, the corresponding network node 16 c. A second WD 22 b in coveragearea 18 b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16a. While a plurality of WDs 22 a, 22 b (collectively referred to aswireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosedembodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is inthe coverage area or where a sole WD is connecting to the correspondingnetwork node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three networknodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may includemany more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

Also, it is contemplated that a WD 22 can be in simultaneouscommunication and/or configured to separately communicate with more thanone network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. Forexample, a WD 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 thatsupports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supportsNR. As an example, WD 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LongTerm Evolution (LTE)/ evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) and a gNB for New Radio(NR)/ NextGen RAN (NG-RAN).

The communication system 10 may itself be connected to a host computer24, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of astandalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server oras processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 24 may beunder the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operatedby the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Theconnections 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the hostcomputer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the hostcomputer 24 or may extend via an optional intermediate network 30. Theintermediate network 30 may be one of, or a combination of more than oneof, a public, private or hosted network. The intermediate network 30, ifany, may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, theintermediate network 30 may comprise two or more sub-networks (notshown).

The communication system of FIG. 2 as a whole enables connectivitybetween one of the connected WDs 22 a, 22 b and the host computer 24.The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection.The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22 a, 22 b are configured tocommunicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection, using theaccess network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate network 30 andpossible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTTconnection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of theparticipating communication devices through which the OTT connectionpasses are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. Forexample, a network node 16 may not or need not be informed about thepast routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originatingfrom a host computer 24 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to aconnected WD 22 a. Similarly, the network node 16 need not be aware ofthe future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating fromthe WD 22 a towards the host computer 24.

A network node 16 is configured to include a scheduling unit 32 which isconfigured to schedule at least one signal associated with the wirelessdevice based on an RLM state, in accordance with the principles of thedisclosure. A wireless device 22 is configured to include an RLM unit 34which is configured to transition the wireless device 22 to an RLMstate, i.e., from one RLM state to another RLM state, in accordance withthe principles of the disclosure. The wireless device is configured toinclude a RRC unit 35 which is configured to perform a connectionre-establishment procedure, in accordance with the principles of thedisclosure.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the WD 22,network node 16 and host computer 24 discussed in the precedingparagraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 3 . In acommunication system 10, a host computer 24 comprises hardware (HW) 38including a communication interface 40 configured to set up and maintaina wired or wireless connection with an interface of a differentcommunication device of the communication system 10. The host computer24 further comprises processing circuitry 42, which may have storageand/or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry 42 may includea processor 44 and memory 46. In particular, in addition to or insteadof a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, theprocessing circuitry 42 may comprise integrated circuitry for processingand/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor coresand/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. Theprocessor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or readfrom) memory 46, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/ornonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (RandomAccess Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memoryand/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control any of the methodsand/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/orprocesses to be performed, e.g., by host computer 24. Processor 44corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing host computer 24functions described herein. The host computer 24 includes memory 46 thatis configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or otherinformation described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48and/or the host application 50 may include instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 44 and/or processing circuitry 42, causes theprocessor 44 and/or processing circuitry 42 to perform the processesdescribed herein with respect to host computer 24. The instructions maybe software associated with the host computer 24.

The software 48 may be executable by the processing circuitry 42. Thesoftware 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 maybe operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a WD 22connecting via an OTT connection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and thehost computer 24. In providing the service to the remote user, the hostapplication 50 may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTTconnection 52. The “user data” may be data and information describedherein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment,the host computer 24 may be configured for providing control andfunctionality to a service provider and may be operated by the serviceprovider or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe,monitor, control, transmit to and/or receive from the network node 16and or the wireless device 22. The processing circuitry 42 of the hostcomputer 24 may include an information unit 54 configured to enable theservice provider to provide and/or determine information related to anRLM state, scheduling of signals and/or connection re-establishment, inaccordance with the principles of the disclosure.

The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 providedin a communication system 10 and comprising hardware 58 enabling it tocommunicate with the host computer 24 and with the WD 22. The hardware58 may include a communication interface 60 for setting up andmaintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of adifferent communication device of the communication system 10, as wellas a radio interface 62 for setting up and maintaining at least awireless connection 64 with a WD 22 located in a coverage area 18 servedby the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or mayinclude, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RFreceivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers. The communicationinterface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the hostcomputer 24. The connection 66 may be direct or it may pass through acore network 14 of the communication system 10 and/or through one ormore intermediate networks 30 outside the communication system 10.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 furtherincludes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 mayinclude a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to orinstead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory,the processing circuitry 68 may comprise integrated circuitry forprocessing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processorcores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs(Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to executeinstructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., writeto and/or read from) the memory 72, which may comprise any kind ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memoryand/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/oroptical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the network node 16 further has software 74 stored internally in,for example, memory 72, or stored in external memory (e.g., database,storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the networknode 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executable bythe processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may beconfigured to control any of the methods and/or processes describedherein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed,e.g., by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or moreprocessors 70 for performing network node 16 functions described herein.The memory 72 is configured to store data, programmatic software codeand/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, thesoftware 74 may include instructions that, when executed by theprocessor 70 and/or processing circuitry 68, causes the processor 70and/or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described hereinwith respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 68 ofthe network node 16 may include scheduling unit 32 configured toschedule at least one signal associated with the wireless device basedon an RLM state, in accordance with the principles of the disclosure.

The communication system 10 further includes the WD 22 already referredto. The WD 22 may have hardware 80 that may include a radio interface 82configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 64 with anetwork node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 iscurrently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or mayinclude, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RFreceivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers.

The hardware 80 of the WD 22 further includes processing circuitry 84.The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and memory 88. Inparticular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a centralprocessing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may compriseintegrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or moreprocessors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable GateArray) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adaptedto execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access(e.g., write to and/or read from) memory 88, which may comprise any kindof volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memoryand/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/oroptical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the WD 22 may further comprise software 90, which is stored in,for example, memory 88 at the WD 22, or stored in external memory (e.g.,database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by theWD 22. The software 90 may be executable by the processing circuitry 84.The software 90 may include a client application 92. The clientapplication 92 may be operable to provide a service to a human ornon-human user via the WD 22, with the support of the host computer 24.In the host computer 24, an executing host application 50 maycommunicate with the executing client application 92 via the OTTconnection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. Inproviding the service to the user, the client application 92 may receiverequest data from the host application 50 and provide user data inresponse to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transfer boththe request data and the user data. The client application 92 mayinteract with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of themethods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods,and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD 22. The processor 86corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing WD 22 functionsdescribed herein. The WD 22 includes memory 88 that is configured tostore data, programmatic software code and/or other informationdescribed herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and/or the clientapplication 92 may include instructions that, when executed by theprocessor 86 and/or processing circuitry 84, causes the processor 86and/or processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described hereinwith respect to WD 22. For example, the processing circuitry 84 of thewireless device 22 may include an RLM unit 34 configured to transitionthe wireless device 22 to an RLM state, in accordance with theprinciples of the disclosure. The processing circuitry 84 may alsoinclude RRC unit 35 configured to perform a connection re-establishmentprocedure, in accordance with the principles of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16, WD 22,and host computer 24 may be as shown in FIG. 3 and independently, thesurrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 2 .

In FIG. 3 , the OTT connection 52 has been drawn abstractly toillustrate the communication between the host computer 24 and thewireless device 22 via the network node 16, without explicit referenceto any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages viathese devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, whichit may be configured to hide from the WD 22 or from the service provideroperating the host computer 24, or both. While the OTT connection 52 isactive, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by whichit dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancingconsideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 isin accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve theperformance of OTT services provided to the WD 22 using the OTTconnection 52, in which the wireless connection 64 may form the lastsegment. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments mayimprove the data rate, latency, and/or power consumption and therebyprovide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restrictionon file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc.

In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for thepurpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which theone or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optionalnetwork functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 betweenthe host computer 24 and WD 22, in response to variations in themeasurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the networkfunctionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implementedin the software 48 of the host computer 24 or in the software 90 of theWD 22, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed inor in association with communication devices through which the OTTconnection 52 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurementprocedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplifiedabove, or supplying values of other physical quantities from whichsoftware 48, 90 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. Thereconfiguring of the OTT connection 52 may include message format,retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring neednot affect the network node 16, and it may be unknown or imperceptibleto the network node 16. Some such procedures and functionalities may beknown and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements mayinvolve proprietary WD signaling facilitating the host computer’s 24measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. Insome embodiments, the measurements may be implemented in that thesoftware 48, 90 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular emptyor ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 52 while it monitorspropagation times, errors etc.

Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processingcircuitry 42 configured to provide user data and a communicationinterface 40 that is configured to forward the user data to a cellularnetwork for transmission to the WD 22. In some embodiments, the cellularnetwork also includes the network node 16 with a radio interface 62. Insome embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to, and/or thenetwork node’s 16 processing circuitry 68 is configured to perform thefunctions and/or methods described herein forpreparing/initiating/maintaining/supporting/ending a transmission to theWD 22, and/or preparing/terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending inreceipt of a transmission from the WD 22.

In some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry42 and a communication interface 40 that is configured to acommunication interface 40 configured to receive user data originatingfrom a transmission from a WD 22 to a network node 16. In someembodiments, the WD 22 is configured to, and/or comprises a radiointerface 82 and/or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform thefunctions and/or methods described herein forpreparing/initiating/maintaining/supporting/ending a transmission to thenetwork node 16, and/orpreparing/terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending in receipt of atransmission from the network node 16.

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show various “units” such as scheduling unit 32,RLM unit 34 and RRC unit 35 as being within a respective processor, itis contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portionof the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processingcircuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware orin a combination of hardware and software within the processingcircuitry.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , in accordance with one embodiment. The communicationsystem may include a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22,which may be those described with reference to FIG. 2 . In a first stepof the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). Inan optional substep of the first step, the host computer 24 provides theuser data by executing a host application, such as, for example, thehost application 50 (block S102). In a second step, the host computer 24initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (blockS104). In an optional third step, the network node 16 transmits to theWD 22 the user data which was carried in the transmission that the hostcomputer 24 initiated, in accordance with the teachings of theembodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S106). In anoptional fourth step, the WD 22 executes a client application, such as,for example, the client application 92, associated with the hostapplication 50 executed by the host computer 24 (block S108).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system mayinclude a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may bethose described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 . In a first step of themethod, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In anoptional substep (not shown) the host computer 24 provides the user databy executing a host application, such as, for example, the hostapplication 50. In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates atransmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (block S112). Thetransmission may pass via the network node 16, in accordance with theteachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In anoptional third step, the WD 22 receives the user data carried in thetransmission (block S114).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system mayinclude a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may bethose described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 . In an optional firststep of the method, the WD 22 receives input data provided by the hostcomputer 24 (block S116). In an optional substep of the first step, theWD 22 executes the client application 92, which provides the user datain reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer 24(block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step,the WD 22 provides user data (block S120). In an optional substep of thesecond step, the WD provides the user data by executing a clientapplication, such as, for example, client application 92 (block S122).In providing the user data, the executed client application 92 mayfurther consider user input received from the user. Regardless of thespecific manner in which the user data was provided, the WD 22 mayinitiate, in an optional third substep, transmission of the user data tothe host computer 24 (block S124). In a fourth step of the method, thehost computer 24 receives the user data transmitted from the WD 22, inaccordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure (block S126).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system mayinclude a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may bethose described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 . In an optional firststep of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodimentsdescribed throughout this disclosure, the network node 16 receives userdata from the WD 22 (block S128). In an optional second step, thenetwork node 16 initiates transmission of the received user data to thehost computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, the host computer 24receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by thenetwork node 16 (block S132).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node 16 forscheduling at least one signal based on an RLM state, in accordance withthe principles of the disclosure. Network node 16 such as via processingcircuitry 68 is configured to determine (block S134) a radio linkmonitoring (RLM) state of a wireless device 22 that is served by a firstcell and configured to operate with at least a first operational modeand a second operation mode within an overlapping time. Network node 16such as via processing circuitry 68 is configured to optionally schedule(block S136) at least one signal associated with the wireless device 22based on the RLM state. In one or more embodiments, an RLM state maycorresponds to one or more RLM procedures for performing RLM. In one ormore embodiments, an RLM procedure may correspond to one or moreoperational modes.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RLM stateincludes one of: performing a procedure for the first operational modeaccording to a first quality target, performing the procedure for thesecond operational mode according to a second quality target, performinga procedure for both the first operational mode according to the firstquality target and the second operational mode according to the secondquality target, and the first quality target being different from thesecond quality target. According to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure, the first operation mode corresponds to a first ultrareliable low latency communication, URLLC, mode where the secondoperational mode corresponds to one of a second URLLC mode and anenhanced mobile broadband, eMBB, mode. According to one or moreembodiments, the RLM state of the wireless device is based on at leastone of: a comparison of a first predefined threshold with a firstquality value (i.e., measurement value) associated with the firstoperational mode, and a comparison of a second predefined threshold witha second quality value associated with the second operational mode. Inone or more embodiments, the predefined threshold may correspond to anytarget value and/or threshold quantity described herein. It isunderstood that these correspondences are for ease of understanding thedisclosure and embodiments, and that implementations and embodiments arenot limited solely to these two operational modes. Also, embodiments arenot limited to the first operational mode being a URLLC mode and thesecond operational mode being a second URLLC mode or an eMBB mode orvice versa.

FIG. 9 is flowchart of another exemplary process in a network node 16 inaccordance with the principles of the disclosure. Network node 16 such avia processing circuitry 68 is configured to determine (block S138) thewireless device 22 transitioned from a first radio link monitoring, RLM,state to a second RLM state different from the first RLM state whereeach RLM state corresponds to at least one of the first and secondoperational modes (e.g., M1 and M2). For example, the network node 16may determine the wireless device 22 is transitioning and/or hastransitioned from one RLM state to another RLM state. Network node 16such as via processing circuitry 68 is configured to optionally schedule(block S140) the wireless device according to the determinedtransitioning of the wireless device 22.

For example, the wireless device 22, via processing circuitry 84 and/orDRX unit 34, determines the RLM state (e.g., a RLM state to enter or toremain in) according to monitored link quality (e.g., downlink radiolink quality). The wireless device 22 may report, via radio interface82, the determined RLM state to the network node 16. The network node16, via processing circuitry 68 and/or scheduling unit 32, may track theRLM state of the wireless device 22 such that the network node 16 isable to determine if the wireless device 22 indicates it is in adifferent RLM state, i.e., if wireless device 22 transitioned or istransitioning to another RLM state. The network node 16 may adapt, viaprocessing circuitry 68 and/or scheduling unit 32, the schedulingassociated with the wireless device 22 based at least in part on thedetermined RLM state and/or the transitioning of RLM states.

According to one or more embodiments, the first RLM state corresponds toone of the first and second operational modes where the second RLM statecorresponds to both first and second operational modes. According to oneor more embodiments, each RLM state is associated with at least one rulewhere the at least one rule defines at least one threshold valuecorresponding to one of a signal quality threshold value and reliabilitythreshold value. According to one or more embodiments, the first qualitythreshold and the second quality threshold are associated with thesecond RLM state and/or RLM.

According to one or more embodiments, the first operational mode isassociated with a first quality threshold where the second operationalmode is associated with a second quality threshold less than the firstquality threshold. According to one or more embodiments, the processingcircuitry 68 is further configured to cause signaling of information forconfiguring the wireless device 22 to operate according to at least oneof a first RLM state and second RLM state. According to one or moreembodiments, the determination of the transitioning of the wirelessdevice 22 is based at least in part on an indication received from thewireless device 22.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device 22for transitioning to an RLM state according to the principles of thedisclosure. In one or more embodiments, the WD 22 is configured to beserved by a first cell and configured to operate with at least a firstoperational mode and a second operation mode within an overlapping time.Wireless device 22 such as via processing circuitry 84 is configured todetermine (block S142) an RLM state to transition to based on at leastone rule. Wireless device 22 such as via processing circuitry 84 isconfigured to transition (block S144) to the RLM state based on thedetermination.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RLM stateincludes one of: performing a procedure for the first operational modeaccording to a first quality target, performing the procedure for thesecond operational mode according to a second quality target, performinga procedure for both the first operational mode according to the firstquality target and the second operational mode according to the secondquality target, and the first quality target being different from thesecond quality target. According to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure, the first operation mode corresponds to a first ultrareliable low latency communication, URLLC, mode where the secondoperational mode corresponds to one of a second URLLC mode and anenhanced mobile broadband, eMBB, mode. According to one or moreembodiments, the determination to transition to the RLM state is basedon at least one of: a comparison of a first predefined threshold with afirst quality value associated with the first operational mode, and acomparison of a second predefined threshold with a second quality valueassociated with the second operational mode. In one or more embodiments,the predefined threshold may correspond to any target value and/orthreshold quantity described herein. In one or more embodiments, the WD22 may be configured by the network node 16 to perform the process ofFIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is flowchart of another exemplary process in a wireless device22 according to the principles of the disclosure. Network node 16 suchas via processing circuitry 84 is configured to transition (block S146)from a first RLM state to a second RLM state different from the firstRLM state based at least in part on at least one rule where each RLMstate corresponds to at least one of the first and second operationalmodes. Network node 16 such as via processing circuitry 84 is configuredto operate (block S148) according to the second RLM state.

According to one or more embodiments, the first RLM state corresponds toone of the first and second operational modes, and the second RLM statecorresponds to both first and second operational modes. According to oneor more embodiments, the first RLM state is associated with the at leastone rule, and the processing circuitry 84 is further configured toremain in the first RLM state if the at least one rule is met, and causethe transition from the first RLM state to the second RLM state if theat least one rule is not met. According to one or more embodiments, theat least one rule defines at least one threshold value where the atleast one threshold value corresponding to one of a signal qualitythreshold value and reliability threshold value. According to one ormore embodiments, the first quality threshold and the second qualitythreshold are associated with the second RLM state.

According to one or more embodiments, the processing circuitry 84 isfurther configured to determine an occurrence of at least one of a firstradio link failure, RLF, associated with the first operational mode andthe second RLF associated with the second operational mode and perform aconnection re-establishment procedure with a second cell based at leastin part on the determination of the occurrence of the at least one thefirst RLF and the second RLF. According to one or more embodiments, thefirst RLM is associated with one of the first RLF and the second RLFwhere the second RLM is associated with both the first RLF and thesecond RLF.

According to one or more embodiments, the first operational mode isassociated with a first quality threshold where the second operationalmode is associated with a second quality threshold less than the firstquality threshold. According to one or more embodiments, the processingcircuitry 84 is further configured to: if operating in the first RLMstate, monitor downlink radio link quality with respect to one of thefirst and second quality thresholds, and if operating in the second RLMstate, monitor downlink radio link quality with respect to both thefirst and second quality thresholds. According to one or moreembodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to receiveinformation for configuring the wireless device to operate according toat least one of a first RLM state and second RLM state.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device 22for performing a connection re-establishment procedure according to theprinciples of the disclosure. Wireless device 22, such as via processingcircuitry 84, is configured to determine (block S150) a criterion for atleast one of a first radio link failure, RLF, associated with a firstoperational mode and a second RLF associated with a second operationalmode has been met. Wireless device 22, such as via processing circuitry84, is configured to perform (block S152) a connection re-establishmentprocedure with a second cell based on the determination that thecriterion has been met.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the RLM stateincludes one of: performing a procedure for the first operational modeaccording to a first quality target (i.e., predefined threshold),performing the procedure for the second operational mode according to asecond quality target, performing a procedure for both the firstoperational mode according to the first quality target and the secondoperational mode according to the second quality target, and the firstquality target being different from the second quality target. Accordingto one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the first operation modecorresponds to a first ultra reliable low latency communication, URLLC,mode where the second operational mode corresponds to one of a secondURLLC mode and an enhanced mobile broadband, eMBB, mode. According toone or more embodiments of the disclosure, both the first RLF and secondRLF are determined to have occurred. In one or more embodiments, thequality target may correspond to any target and/or threshold quantitydescribed herein. In one or more embodiments, the WD 22 may beconfigured by the network node 16 to perform the process of FIG. 12 .

Having generally described arrangements at least one radio linkmonitoring (RLM) procedure for a wireless device configured for multipleoperational modes and/or for connection re-establishment, details forthese arrangements, functions and processes are provided as follows, andwhich may be implemented by the network node 16, wireless device 22and/or host computer 24.

In one or more embodiments, it is assumed that the WD 22 is served by atleast a first cell (cell1) and that the WD 22 is configured to operatewith at least two different operational modes (a first mode (M1) and asecond mode (M2)) in parallel (e.g., within an overlapping time), whichis referred to as a “first scenario”. The embodiments are alsoapplicable for a scenario in which the WD 22 is served by multipleserving cells (e.g., in CA, multi-connectivity, etc.), which may beinterchangeably referred to as simultaneous operation of URLLC and eMBBprocedures or simultaneous operation of multiple URLLC modes orprocedures. Examples of cell1 may include PCell, PSCell, etc. Examplesof operational modes M1 and M2 may include URLLC and eMBB, respectively.Also, eMBB may be interchangeably referred to as mobile broadband (MBB),service or operation with normal or low reliability target (e.g., whencompared to another service or operation), etc. Other examples of M1 andM2 may include different URLLC modes, e.g., URLLC1 and URLLC2. URLLC andeMBB modes may differ in terms of at least their respective reliabilitytargets. For example, URLLC may be associated with a 10-5 errorprobability in transmitting a layer 2 PDU of 32 bytes within 1 ms, andeMBB may be associated with a 10-1 error probability in transmitting alayer 2 PDU of 32 bytes within 10-100 ms. Similarly, URLLC1 and URLLC2may differ in that they are associated with at least differentreliability targets. For example, URLLC 1 may be associated with a 10-5error probability in transmitting a layer 2 PDU of 32 bytes within 1 ms,and URLLC 1 may be associated with a 10-4 error probability intransmitting a layer 2 PDU of 32 bytes within 10 ms.

Furthermore, each operational mode may be associated with different setsof RLM signal quality targets. Examples of RLM signal quality targetsfor each mode of operation are Qin and Qout values. For example, for M1operation (i.e., a first operational mode), the wireless device can beconfigured to perform RLM such as according to one or more RLM statesusing a first set of RLM quality targets (Q1). Similarly, for M2operation, the wireless device can be configured to perform RLM using asecond set of quality targets (Q2) for M2. As an example, Q1 may beassociated with a first set of a hypothetical BLER of a first DL controlchannel which is lower than a second set of a hypothetical BLER of asecond DL control channel. For example, Q1 of Qin and Qout for M1 are0.1% and 1%, respectively, while Q2 of Qin and Qout for M2 are 2% and10%, respectively. Q1 is therefore considered to be more stringent thanQ2. In this example, to achieve Q1 compared to Q2, the wireless devicemay need to estimate higher signal quality (e.g.,signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), etc.). Furthermore, the procedure RLM1 (i.e., procedure for oneRLM state) and procedure RLM2 (i.e., procedure for another RLM state)for M1 and M2 operations, respectively, can be associated with their ownsets of RLM parameters, RLM requirements, etc. Examples of suchparameters may include an OOS counter (e.g. N310), IS counter (e.g.N311), RLM timer, etc. Examples of RLM requirements may includeevaluation periods of IS and OOS, etc. For example. In Synchronization(IS)/OOS evaluation periods for the procedure RLM1 can be 50 ms/100 ms,while for IS/OOS evaluation periods for the procedure RLM2 can be 100ms/200 ms.

First Embodiment: Determination and Application of One or Multiple RLMProcedures in Parallel

According to the first embodiment, the wireless device 22 is served bycell1 and configured with at least two modes (M1 and M2). The wirelessdevice 22 is configured to determine, such as via processing circuitry84, whether the wireless device 22 performs one of the followingprocedures:

-   Procedure RLM1 with respect to cell1 for only M1 using Q1; or-   Procedure RLM2 with respect to cell1 for only M2 using Q2; or-   Procedures RLM1 and RLM2 with respect to cell1 for both M1 and M2,    respectively, over at least wireless device 22 may be based on at    least one rule or condition or criterion. The rule partially    overlapping time period.

The determination can be pre-defined or can be configured by the networknode 16, e.g., via cell1. Some examples of the rules are described belowand are represented by state diagram in FIG. 13 .

Example 1

In one example, the WD 22 performs the first RLM (RLM1) procedure onlyfor M1 using Q1 provided that the RLM1 is not worse than first RLMthreshold (H1). RLM1 may be considered to become worse than H1 such aswhen one or more of the following conditions are met: radio link failure(RLF1) associated with RLM1 has triggered, more than X1 number of OOSfor RLM1 are detected by the WD 22 within certain time, signal quality(e.g., SINR, SNR, Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), CQI, etc.)with respect to cell1 that is estimated for RLM1 falls below certainsignal quality threshold (G1), etc. Otherwise, the RLM1 may beconsidered to be equal to or better than H1. For example, in this case,when RLM1 ≥ H1, the WD 22 may further detect at least X2 number of ISfor RLM1. In one example, the RLF1 may be assumed to be (or is)triggered when the WD 22 starts a first radio link failure (RLF1) timerassociated with RLF1. In another example, the RLF1 is assumed to be (oris) triggered when the RLF1 timer expires. In yet another example, theRLF1 is assumed to be (or is) triggered when the RLF1 timer haspersisted for at least X3% of the configured value, e.g., 50% of thetimer value. This is referred to herein as “RLM1 only state” representedby “S1”. In one or more examples, X1, X2 and X3 are integers ornumerical quantities.

Example 2

In another example, when RLM1 becomes worse than H1, the WD 22 may alsostart the second RLM (RLM2) procedure for M2 using Q2 in parallel withRLM1 procedure. In this state, which is referred to herein as “jointRLM1-RLM2 state”, the WD 22 performs both RLM1 and RLM2 procedures. Thejoint RLM1-RLM2 state is denoted by “S1-S2” or “S3”. The WD 22 maycontinue to perform both RLM1 and RLM2 (i.e., remains in joint RLM1-RLM2state) provided that the RLM1 is worse than H1 and RLM2 is not worsethan the second RLM threshold (H2).

Example 3

In yet another example, if RLM1 becomes greater (better) than or equalto H1 while the WD 22 is in state S1-S2, then the WD 22 may logicallymove or transition back to state S1, i.e., transition from one RLM stateto another RLM state. In this case, the WD 22 performs only RLM1procedure for M1 using Q1 as described in Example 1.

Example 4

In still another example, if RLM2 becomes worse (e.g., less) than secondRLM threshold (H2), while the WD 22 is in state S1-S2, the WD 22 maystop performing the RLM1 procedure for M1 using Q1. In this state,referred to as “RLM2 only state”, the WD 22 performs only RLM2 for M2using Q2. The “RLM2 only state” is referred to as “S2”. RLM2 may becomeworse than H2 if one or more conditions are met such as: radio linkfailure (RLF2) associated with RLM2 has triggered, more than Y1 numberof OOS for RLM2 are detected by the WD 22 within certain time, estimatedsignal quality (e.g., SINR, SNR, RSRQ, CQI, etc.) with respect to cell1for RLM2 falls below a certain signal quality threshold (G2), etc.Otherwise, the RLM2 is considered to be equal to or better than H2. Forexample, in this case, when RLM2 ≥ H2, the WD 22 may further detect atleast Y2 number of IS for RLM2. In one example, the RLF2 is assumed tobe (or is) triggered when the WD 22 starts the second RLF (RLF2) timer.In another example, the RLF2 is assumed to be (or is) triggered when theRLF2 timer expires. In yet another example, the RLF2 is assumed to be(or is) triggered when the RLF timer has persisted for at least Y3% ofthe configured value e.g. 50% of the RLF2 timer value. In one or moreexamples, Y1, Y2 and Y3 are integers or numerical quantities.

Example 5

In yet another example, if RLM2 becomes better (e.g., greater) than H2while the WD 22 is in state S2, then the WD 22 may move back to thestate S1-S2. In this case, the WD 22 may perform both RLM1 procedure forM1 using Q1 and RLM2 procedure for M2 using Q2 as described in Example2.

According to one or more embodiments, the WD 22 may further inform orindicate the RLM state (S1, S2 or S3) in which the WD 22 is operating to(e.g., via radio resource control (RRC), MAC or L1 signaling, etc.) thenetwork node 16. In one or more embodiments, the network node 16 is ableto determine, such as via processing circuitry 68, that the wirelessdevice has transitioned to another RLM state, i.e., may track thecurrent wireless device 22’s RLM state. This may allow the network node16 to adapt or modify the transmission and/or reception of signals,e.g., scheduling and/or configuration, for M1 and/or M2 operations. Forexample, if the network node 16 determines that the WD 22 is in the RLMstate S2, then the network node 16 may not schedule the WD 22 for M1traffic. On the other hand, if the WD 22 is in the RLM state S1, thenthe network node 16 may schedule the WD 22 for both M1 traffic and M2traffic.

The Examples 1-5, i.e., procedures 1-5, above are examples of two RLMprocedures for serving two types of traffic or services with differentreliability targets. The embodiments and examples described herein areapplicable to any number of RLM and RLM states. For example, if thereare two or more multiple RLM procedures to serve or service more thantwo types of services/traffic, then the WD 22 may switched betweendifferent RLM states depending on the conditions and/or rules.

Example 6

In yet another example, reliability targets of M1 and M2 can be the same(e.g., 0.001% and 0.01% for Qin and Qout, respectively, for both M1 andM2), but their latency targets can be different. The WD 22 may selectone of the RLM procedures or RLM states (one out of RLM1, RLM1-RLM2,RLM2) based on a comparison of H1 and H2. For example:

-   If H1 <H2, and RLM1<H1, WD 22 performs RLM according to state S1.-   If H1<H2, and RLM1>H1, WD 22 performs RLM according to state S3.-   If H1>H2, and RLM1<H1, WD 22 performs RLM according to state S3.-   If H1>H2, and RLM>H1, WD 22 performs RLM according to state S3.

Similar conditions may apply for switching between states S3 and S2.

In another aspect of the first embodiment, the WD 22 may select an RLMstate based on a comparison between estimated signal quality (SQ) (suchas ratio of received reference signal to total noise + interference perresource element (CRS Es/Iot), SINR, SNR, RSRQ, etc.) and the target RLMquality/measure described herein. The WD 22 is further described infollowing examples and illustrated in FIG. 14 .

-   In one example, the WD 22 estimated signal quality (SQ) is assumed    to be (or is) greater than or equal to the target signal quality    (T2) (e.g., SNR), which allows for RLM1 to operate while maintaining    the link in-sync. Therefore, the WD 22 enters or stays in state S1,    and carries out only RLM1 procedure. This implicitly signifies that    RLM2 is also working (e.g., In-sync is detected for RLM2) due the WD    22 meeting the higher SQ target.-   In another example, the WD 22 estimated signal quality (SQ) is    assumed (or is) below the required threshold signal quality (T2) to    run RLM and keep the link in-sync. In this case, WD 22 enters state    S2 and performs RLM2 only since the likelihood of failure of the    RLM1 is high at the estimated signal quality.

Similar to the examples/embodiments above, the selection of RLM statescan be based on configured or determined coverage enhancement (CE) levelor mode of the WD 22. The CE level can be configured at the WD 22 by thenetwork node 16 or determined by the WD 22 autonomously. For example, ifthe configured or determined CE level is above a certain threshold(e.g., CE level 1 (CE1)), then WD 22 may only carry out RLM2 or WD maycarry out RLM1 if the CE level is 0 (CE0). The CE level can be expressedin terms of the WD 22 received signal level with respect to a cell(e.g., cell1). Examples of the received signal level may includereceived signal quality (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP),path loss), received signal strength (e.g., SINR, SNR, CQI, RSRQ, CRSEs/Iot, SCH Es/Iot, etc.). CE1 corresponds to lower signal levelcompared to CE0 etc. For example, CE0 may corresponds to lowest SINR ofup to -6 dB, where CE1 may corresponds to lowest SINR of up to -15 dB.CE0 and CE1 may also interchangeably be called a normal CE level (orCEModeA) and enhanced coverage level (CEModeB), etc.

Second Embodiment: Determination and Application of RRC ConnectionRe-Establishment Based on One or Multiple RLFs

According to a second embodiment, the WD 22 is served by cell1 based onone or more conditions or criteria or rule and the WD 22 performs RRCconnection re-establishment to a second cell (cell2) based at least onone of:

-   only a first radio link failure (RLF1) associated with M1, or-   based on only a second radio link failure (RLF2) associated with M2,    or-   based on combination of RLF1 and RLF2 (i.e., based on both RLF1 and    RLF2, or based on at least one of RLF1 and RLF2).

The criteria or rules to allow the WD 22 to perform RRC connectionre-establishment to cell2 based on RLF1 or RLF2 or both RLF1 and RLF2,are described below with examples:

Example 7

In this example, the WD 22 can be configured to perform RRCre-establishment to cell2 upon triggering RLF1 such as regardless ofwhether RLF2 is triggered. The triggering of RLF1 herein may indicate asituation where the WD 22 declares or determine the RLF due to RLM1procedure. In this case, the RLF timer for RLF1 expires. For example, inthis case, the WD 22 assumes that the first operational mode, M1, is ofhigher priority than the second operational mode, M2. Therefore,continuing WD 22 operation of M1 may be have a higher priority or bedeemed more important even if the WD 22 has to re-establish the RRCconnection to another cell e.g. cell2. The WD 22 may be configured toperform RRC re-establishment to cell2 upon triggering RLF1 based on apre-defined rule or by receiving a configuration message from thenetwork node 16. The configuration message can be explicit or implicit(e.g., based on priority level between M1 and M2 assigned to the WD 22).In this example, the WD 22 starts the RRC re-establishment timer (e.g.,T311) upon triggering of only RLF1. When the RRC re-establishment timerexpires, the WD 22 may search for a new or another cell on a carrierconfigured for performing RRC connection re-establishment. Upondetecting the new or other cell (e.g., cell2) the WD 22 accesses thecell by sending a message (e.g., random access).

Example 8

In another example, the WD 22 can be configured to perform RRCre-establishment to cell2 upon triggering RLF2 regardless of whetherRLF1 is triggered. The triggering of RLF2 herein may refer to asituation when the WD 22 declares the RLF, i.e., determines an RLFoccurred, due to RLM2 procedure. In this case, the RLF timer for RLF2expires. As an example, in this case, the WD 22 assumes that the secondoperational mode, M2, is of higher priority than the first operationalmode, M1. Therefore, the WD 22 may continue operation of M2 byre-establishing the RRC connection to another cell, e.g., cell2. The WD22 may also be configured to perform RRC re-establishment to cell2 upontriggering RLF2 based on a pre-defined rule or by receiving aconfiguration message from the network node 16. The message can beexplicit or implicit (e.g., based on priority level between M1 and M2assigned to the WD 22). In this example, the UE may start or initiatethe RRC re-establishment timer (e.g., T311) upon triggering of onlyRLF2. When the RRC re-establishment timer expires, the WD 22 may searchfor a new cell on a carrier configured for performing RRC connectionre-establishment. Upon detecting the new cell (e.g. cell2), the WD 22accesses that cell by sending a message (e.g., random access). Giventhat Q1 is considered to be more stringent than Q2 in one or more of theembodiments described herein, RLF1 from the RLM1 procedure may betriggered before RLF2 from the RLM2 procedure. A timer can be startedwhen RLF1 from RLM1 is triggered. After the timer expires, the WD 22 cansignal to the network/network node 16 that RLF1 is triggered.

Example 9

In still yet another example, the WD 22 can be configured to perform RRCre-establishment to cell2 upon combination of the RLF1 and RLF2. The RRCre-establishment based on the combination of RLF1 and RLF2 may refer toany of the following procedures:

-   (a) In one example of a rule/condition based on the combination, the    WD 22 can be configured to perform RRC re-establishment to cell2    only if or when the WD 22 triggers both RLF1 and RLF2.-   (b) In a second example of the rule/condition based on the    combination, the WD 22 can be configured to perform RRC    re-establishment to cell2 if or when the WD 22 triggers at least one    of the RLF1 and RLF2. In this example, the order of triggering of    RLF1 or RLF2 is not important.-   (c) In both examples, the WD 22 starts the RRC re-establishment    timer (e.g., T311) upon triggering of both RLF1 and RLF2 (as in (a))    or any of RLF1 and RLF2 (as in (b)). When the RRC re-establishment    timer expires, the WD 22 searches for a new cell on a carrier    configured for performing RRC connection re-establishment. Upon    detecting the new cell (e.g., cell2), the WD 22 may access that cell    by sending a message (e.g. random access).

The above RRC re-establishment procedure in Examples 7-9 is describedfor two RLF procedures. This embodiment is also applicable for anynumber of RLM and RLM states. For example, if there are more than twoRLF procedures associated with more than two traffic or services, the WD22 can be configured to trigger RRC re-establishment based on any one ofthe RLF procedure or any combinations of RLF procedures.

Some Examples

Example A1. A network node 16 configured to communicate with a wirelessdevice 22 (WD 22), the network node 16 configured to, and/or comprisinga radio interface 62 and/or comprising processing circuitry 68configured to:

-   determine a radio link monitoring (RLM) state of a wireless device    22 that is served by a first cell and configured to operate with at    least a first operational mode and a second operation mode within an    overlapping time; and-   schedule at least one signal associated with the wireless device 22    based on the RLM state.

Example A2. The network node 16 of Example A1, wherein the RLM stateincludes one of:

-   performing a procedure for the first operational mode according to a    first quality target;-   performing the procedure for the second operational mode according    to a second quality target;-   performing a procedure for both the first operational mode according    to the first quality target and the second operational mode    according to the second quality target; and-   the first quality target being different from the second quality    target.

Example A3. The network node 16 of Example A1, wherein the firstoperation mode corresponds to a first ultra reliable low latencycommunication, URLLC, mode; and the second operational mode correspondsto one of a second URLLC mode and an enhanced mobile broadband, eMBB,mode.

Example A4. The network node 16 of Example A1, wherein the RLM state ofthe wireless device 22 is based on at least one of:

-   a comparison of a first predefined threshold with a first quality    target associated with the first operational mode;-   a comparison of a second predefined threshold with a second quality    target associated with the second operational mode; and-   a comparison of the first predefined threshold with the second    predefined threshold.

Example B1. A method implemented in a network node 16, the methodcomprising:

-   determining a radio link monitoring (RLM) state of a wireless device    22 that is served by a first cell and configured to operate with at    least a first operational mode and a second operation mode within an    overlapping time; and-   scheduling at least one signal associated with the wireless device    based on the RLM state.

Example B2. The method of Example B1, wherein the RLM state includes oneof:

-   performing a procedure for the first operational mode according to a    first quality target;-   performing the procedure for the second operational mode according    to a second quality target;-   performing a procedure for both the first operational mode according    to the first quality target and the second operational mode    according to the second quality target; and-   the first quality target being different from the second quality    target.

Example B3. The method of Example B1, wherein the first operation modecorresponds to a first ultra reliable low latency communication, URLLC,mode; and the second operational mode corresponds to one of a secondURLLC mode and an enhanced mobile broadband, eMBB, mode.

Example B4. The method of Example B1, wherein the RLM state of thewireless device is based on at least one of:

-   a comparison of a first predefined threshold with a first quality    target associated with the first operational mode;-   a comparison of a second predefined threshold with a second quality    target associated with the second operational mode; and-   a comparison of the first predefined threshold with the second    predefined threshold.

Example C1. A wireless device 22 (WD 22) configured to communicate witha network node 16, the WD 22 configured to be served by a first cell andconfigured to operate with at least a first operational mode and asecond operation mode within an overlapping time, the WD 22 configuredto, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or processing circuitry 84configured to:

-   determine an RLM state to transition to based on at least one rule;    and-   transition to the RLM state based on the determination.

Example C2. The WD 22 of Example C1, wherein the RLM state includes oneof:

-   performing a procedure for the first operational mode according to a    first quality target;-   performing the procedure for the second operational mode according    to a second quality target;-   performing a procedure for both the first operational mode according    to the first quality target and the second operational mode    according to the second quality target; and-   the first quality target being different from the second quality    target.

Example C3. The WD 22 of Example C1, wherein the first operation modecorresponds to a first ultra reliable low latency communication, URLLC,mode; and

the second operational mode corresponds to one of a second URLLC modeand an enhanced mobile broadband, eMBB, mode.

Example C4. The WD 22 of Example C1, wherein the determination totransition to the RLM state is based on at least one of:

-   a comparison of a first predefined threshold with a first quality    target associated with the first operational mode;-   a comparison of a second predefined threshold with a second quality    target associated with the second operational mode; and-   a comparison of the first predefined threshold with the second    predefined threshold.

Example D1. A method implemented in a wireless device 22 (WD 22), the WD22 configured to be served by a first cell and configured to operatewith at least a first operational mode and a second operation modewithin an overlapping time, the method comprising:

-   determine an RLM state to transition to based on at least one rule;    and-   transition to the RLM state based on the determination.

Example D2. The method of Example D1, wherein the RLM state includes oneof:

-   performing a procedure for the first operational mode according to a    first quality target;-   performing the procedure for the second operational mode according    to a second quality target;-   performing a procedure for both the first operational mode according    to the first quality target and the second operational mode    according to the second quality target; and-   the first quality target being different from the second quality    target.

Example D3. The method of Example D1, wherein the first operation modecorresponds to a first ultra reliable low latency communication, URLLC,mode; and

the second operational mode corresponds to one of a second URLLC modeand an enhanced mobile broadband, eMBB, mode.

Example D4. The method of Example D1, wherein the determination totransition to the RLM state is based on at least one of:

-   a comparison of a first predefined threshold with a first quality    target associated with the first operational mode;-   a comparison of a second predefined threshold with a second quality    target associated with the second operational mode; and-   a comparison of the first predefined threshold with the second    predefined threshold.

Example E1. A wireless device 22 (WD 22) configured to communicate witha network node 16, the WD 22 configured to be served by a first cell andconfigured to operate with at least a first operational mode and asecond operational mode within an overlapping time, the WD 22 configuredto, and/or comprising a radio interface 82 and/or processing circuitry84 configured to:

-   determine a criterion for at least one of a first radio link    failure, RLF, associated with the first operational mode and a    second RLF associated with the second operational mode has been met;    and-   perform a connection re-establishment procedure with a second cell    based on the determination that the criterion has been met.

Example E2. The WD 22 of Example E1, wherein the criterion includes atleast one of:

-   expiration of a first RLF timer associated with the first RLF;-   whether a configuration message indicates to perform the connection    re-establishment procedure; and-   expiration of a second RLF timer associated with the second RLF.

Example E3. The WD 22 of Example E1, wherein both the first RLF and thesecond RLF are determined to have occurred.

Example F1. A method implemented in a wireless device 22 (WD 22), the WD22 configured to be served by a first cell and configured to operatewith at least a first operational mode and a second operation modewithin an overlapping time, the method comprising:

-   determining a criterion for at least one of a first radio link    failure, RLF, associated with the first operational mode and a    second RLF associated with the second operational mode has been met;    and-   performing a connection re-establishment procedure with a second    cell based on the determination that the criterion has been met.

Example F2. The method of Example F1, wherein the criterion includes atleast one of:

-   expiration of a first RLF timer associated with the first RLF;-   whether a configuration message indicates to perform the connection    re-establishment procedure; and-   expiration of a second RLF timer associated with the second RLF.

Example F3. The method of Example F1, wherein both the first RLF and thesecond RLF are determined to have occurred.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the conceptsdescribed herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system,computer program product and/or computer storage media storing anexecutable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described hereinmay take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Anyprocess, step, action and/or functionality described herein may beperformed by, and/or associated to, a corresponding module, which may beimplemented in software and/or firmware and/or hardware. Furthermore,the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on atangible computer usable storage medium having computer program codeembodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitabletangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks,CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, ormagnetic storage devices.

Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computerprogram products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to therebycreate a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks mayoccur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. Forexample, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executedsubstantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths toshow a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood thatcommunication may occur in the opposite direction to the depictedarrows.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the conceptsdescribed herein may be written in an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java® or C++. However, the computer program code forcarrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written inconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language. The program code may execute entirely on theuser’s computer, partly on the user’s computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, theremote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through a localarea network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection maybe made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet usingan Internet Service Provider).

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include:

BLER Block Error Rate CQI Channel Quality Indicator DCI Downlink ControlInformation ePDCCH enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel eMBBEnhanced MBB IS In Synchronization LTE Long Term Evolution MAC MediumAccess Control MBB Mobile broadband MCS Modulation and Coding SchemeOFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access OOS Out ofsynchronization PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCH PhysicalDownlink Shared Channel PRB Physical Resource Block PUSCH PhysicalUplink Shared Channel RAT Radio Access Technology RB Resource Block REResource Element RLF Radio Link Failure RLM Radio Link Monitoring RRCRadio Resource Control SC-FDMA Single Carrier- Frequency DivisionMultiple Access sPDCCH short Physical Downlink Control Channel sPDSCHshort Physical Downlink Shared Channel sPUSCH short Physical UplinkShared Channel SF SubFrame SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio SQ Signal qualityTTI Transmission Time Interval UE User Equipment URLLC Ultra ReliableLow Latency Communication

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that theembodiments described herein are not limited to what has beenparticularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unlessmention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all ofthe accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teachings withoutdeparting from the scope of the following claims.

1. A wireless device configured to operate in at least a firstoperational mode and a second operational mode within an overlappingtime with respect to a first cell, the wireless device comprisingprocessing circuitry configured to: transition from a first radio linkmonitoring (RLM) state having first RLM signal quality targets to asecond RLM state different from the first RLM state and having secondRLM signal quality targets, each RLM state corresponding to at least oneof the first and second operational modes, the first operational modeproviding ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) services,the second operational mode providing one of evolved mobile broadband(eMBB) services and URLLC services; and operate according to the secondRLM state.
 2. A network node configured to communicate with a wirelessdevice configured to operate in at least a first operational mode and asecond operational mode within an overlapping time with respect to afirst cell, the network node comprising processing circuitry configuredto: determine the wireless device transitioned from a first radio linkmonitoring (RLM) state having first RLM signal quality targets to asecond RLM state different from the first RLM state and having secondRLM signal quality targets, each RLM state corresponding to at least oneof the first and second operational modes, the first operational modeproviding ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) services,the second operational mode providing one of evolved mobile broadband(eMBB) services and URLLC services; and schedule the wireless deviceaccording to the determined transitioning of the wireless device.
 3. Amethod implemented in a network node configured to communicate with awireless device configured to operate in at least a first operationalmode and a second operational mode within an overlapping time withrespect to a first cell, the method comprising: determining the wirelessdevice transitioned from a first radio link monitoring (RLM) statehaving first RLM signal quality targets to a second RLM state differentfrom the first RLM state and having second RLM signal quality targets,each RLM state corresponding to at least one of the first and secondoperational modes, the first operational mode providing ultra-reliableand low latency communication (URLLC) services, the second operationalmode providing one of evolved mobile broadband (eMBB) services and URLLCservices; and scheduling the wireless device according to the determinedtransitioning of the wireless device.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinthe first RLM state corresponds to one of the first and secondoperational modes; and the second RLM state corresponds to both firstand second operational modes.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein each RLMstate is associated with at least one rule, the at least one ruledefining at least one threshold value corresponding to one of a signalquality threshold value and reliability threshold value.
 6. The methodof claim 3, wherein the first operational mode is associated with afirst quality threshold; and the second operational mode is associatedwith a second quality threshold less than the first quality threshold.7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first quality threshold and thesecond quality threshold are associated with the second RLM state. 8.The method of claim 3, further comprising causing signaling ofinformation for configuring the wireless device to operate according toat least one of a first RLM state and second RLM state.
 9. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the determination of the transitioning of the wirelessdevice is based at least in part on an indication received from thewireless device.
 10. A method implemented in a wireless deviceconfigured to operate in at least a first operational mode and a secondoperational mode within an overlapping time with respect to a firstcell, the method comprising: transitioning from a first radio linkmonitoring (RLM) state having first RLM signal quality targets to asecond RLM state different from the first RLM state and having secondRLM signal quality targets, each RLM state corresponding to at least oneof the first and second operational modes, the first operational modeproviding ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) services,the second operational mode providing one of evolved mobile broadband(eMBB) services and URLLC services; and operating according to thesecond RLM state.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first RLMstate corresponds to one of the first and second operational modes; andthe second RLM state corresponds to both first and second operationalmodes.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first RLM state isassociated with the at least one rule; and the method further includes:remaining in the first RLM state if the at least one rule is met; andcausing the transition from the first RLM state to the second RLM stateif the at least one rule is not met.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereinthe at least one rule defines at least one threshold value, the at leastone threshold value corresponding to one of a signal quality thresholdvalue and reliability threshold value.
 14. The method of claim 10,further comprising: determining an occurrence of at least one of a firstradio link failure, RLF, associated with the first operational mode andthe second RLF associated with the second operational mode; andperforming a connection re-establishment procedure with a second cellbased at least in part on the determination of the occurrence of the atleast one the first RLF and the second RLF.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the first RLM state is associated with one of the first RLF andthe second RLF; and the second RLM state is associated with both thefirst RLF and the second RLF.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein thefirst operational mode is associated with a first quality threshold; andthe second operational mode is associated with a second qualitythreshold less than the first quality threshold.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the first quality threshold and the second quality thresholdare associated with the second RLM state.
 18. The method of claim 10,further comprising: when operating in the first RLM state, monitoringdownlink radio link quality with respect to one of the first and secondquality thresholds; and when operating in the second RLM state,monitoring downlink radio link quality with respect to both the firstand second quality thresholds.
 19. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising receiving information for configuring the wireless device tooperate according to at least one of a first RLM state and second RLMstate.
 20. The method of claim 10, wherein the first RLM signal qualitytargets comprise a first block error rate, BLER, of a downlink controlchannel and the second RLM signal quality targets comprise a second BLERof a downlink control channel.